Riddle, Ex Parte Michael Wade ( 2013 )

IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS
OF TEXAS
NO. AP-76,946
EX PARTE MICHAEL WADE RIDDLE, Applicant
ON APPLICATION FOR A WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS
CAUSE NO. 41,428-C IN THE 89TH DISTRICT COURT
FROM WICHITA COUNTY
Per curiam.
OPINION
Pursuant to the provisions of Article 11.07 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, the
clerk of the trial court transmitted to this Court this application for a writ of habeas corpus. Ex parte
Young, 418 S.W.2d 824, 826 (Tex. Crim. App. 1967). Applicant was convicted of aggravated sexual
assault and sentenced to life imprisonment.
Applicant contends that his counsel rendered ineffective assistance because she failed to
timely file a notice of appeal.
The trial court has determined that counsel failed to timely file a notice of appeal. We find
that Applicant is entitled to the opportunity to file an out-of-time appeal of the judgment of
conviction in Cause No. 41,428-C from the 89th District Court of Wichita County. Applicant is
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ordered returned to that time at which he may give a written notice of appeal so that he may then,
with the aid of counsel, obtain a meaningful appeal. Within ten days of the issuance of this opinion,
the trial court shall determine whether Applicant is indigent. If Applicant is indigent and wishes to
be represented by counsel, the trial court shall immediately appoint an attorney to represent
Applicant on direct appeal. All time limits shall be calculated as if the sentence had been imposed
on the date on which the mandate of this Court issues. We hold that, should Applicant desire to
prosecute an appeal, he must take affirmative steps to file a written notice of appeal in the trial court
within 30 days after the mandate of this Court issues.
Copies of this opinion shall be sent to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice-Correctional
Institutions Division and Pardons and Paroles Division.
Delivered: January 16, 2013
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